(Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) — Local cartoonist "Corky" was fondly remembered during a recent gift signing ceremony that marked the establishment of the Corky Trinidad Endowment Fund in the Center for Philippine Studies. This fund was established as a collaborative effort by the Friends of Corky, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Society of Professional Journalists of Honolulu, Pamana Dancers, and the Filipino Community Center, which together raised $42,916. The group plans to keep fundraising to build this endowment further.
The purpose of this fund is to provide assistance to students, scholars and researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the fields of journalism, mass communications, fine arts, performing arts, ethnic minorities, international studies, media studies and human rights who have an academic focus or interest in Philippine studies, society and culture.
"The endowment marks another accomplishment for Corky's legacy, but this is one that will help students' pursuits in journalism or other interests," said Corky's son, Lorenzo Trinidad. "It's good to know that Corky will still be around in this way, still helping out the next generation."
Francisco "Corky" Flores Trinidad Jr., was born May 26, 1939 in Manila, Philippines. He was the first Asian editorial cartoonist to be syndicated in the United States, appearing in publications as diverse as the New York Times and International Herald Tribune in Paris to the Punch of London and Philippines Daily Herald.
In 1969 he joined the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. For nearly four decades, he penned daily and often twice-daily cartoon panels, and in addition, syndicated the comic strips "Zeus!" and "Aloha Eden". He also taught cartooning at the University of Hawaiʻi, and always welcomed young cartoonists into his office. During his career he won many awards, and in 2005 he was inducted into the Society of Professional Journalists' Hawaiʻi Journalism Hall of Fame.
"It is my hope that through this scholarship more Filipino students will study and gain empowerment to become full active citizens of Hawaiʻi," said Edward J. Shultz, Interim Dean of the School of Pacific and Asian Studies where the Center for Philippine Studies is located.
Tax-deductible donations with the notation "For Corky Trinidad Fund" can be sent to the UH Foundation, 1314 South King Street, Suite B, Honolulu, HI 96814.
Gifts can also be made online at www.uhf.hawaii.edu/CorkyTrinidadEndowment
» Photos from the Corky Trinidad Endowment Fund gift signing ceremony
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The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaiʻi System. Our mission is to unite our donors’ passions with the University of Hawaiʻi's aspirations to benefit the people of Hawaiʻi and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. www.uhfoundation.org.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa serves approximately 20,000 students pursuing more than 225 different degrees. Coming from every Hawaiian island, every state in the nation, and more than 100 countries, UH Mānoa students matriculate in an enriching environment for the global exchange of ideas. For more information, visit manoa.hawaii.edu.
